Helping Family Caregivers Feel Confident

Family caregivers in Nebraska will be better prepared when a loved one comes home from a hospital stay, thanks to the Assisting Caregiver Transitions Act, which took effect March 30.

Nebraska was the 22nd state to enact provisions in the law, which is backed by AARP. These provisions allow every hospital patient to designate a family caregiver and require the hospital to keep the caregiver informed about plans to transfer or discharge the patient. Before discharge, a hospital employee must show the caregiver how to perform medical tasks the patient will need at home.

In addition, the law gives patients and caregivers the right to participate in planning home care services. It also allows the state Department of Health and Human Services to approve assisted living facilities as memory care facilities if they meet certain criteria to address the needs of patients with dementia.